The Hukm (ruling) of Selling Idols to the Mushrikin (pl., Mushrik; Polytheists, Idol Worshipers)
One of the narrations which will enlighten us in the matter of encouraging a Kafir to act upon Kufr is the narration regarding Mu’awiya (radiyallahu anh) selling idols to the Kuffar. The Mufassirun (Scholars of Tafsir; Quranic exegesis) narrate the matter in Tahzib’ul Athar of Imam Ibn Jarir at-Tabari (rahimahullah).
وَحَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ بَشَّارٍ، قَالَ: حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ، قَالَ: حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ , عَنِ الْأَعْمَشِ , عَنْ أَبِي وَائِلٍ، قَالَ: كُنْتُ مَعَ مَسْرُوقٍ بِالسِّلْسِلَةِ، فَمَرَّتْ عَلَيْهِ سَفِينَةٌ فِيهَا أَصْنَامُ ذَهَبٍ وَفِضَّةٍ، بَعَثَ بِهَا مُعَاوِيَةُ إِلَى الْهِنْدِ تُبَاعُ، فَقَالَ مَسْرُوقٌ: «لَوْ أَعْلَمُ أَنَّهُمْ يَقْتُلُونِي لَغَرَّقْتُهَا، وَلَكِنِّي أَخْشَى الْفِتْنَةَ»
“Muhammad ibn Bashshar informed us and said: Abd’ur Rahman informed us and said: Sufyan (Uyayna) from Amash and he from Abu Wail said: I was at a place called Silsilah with Masruq. Meanwhile a ship containing idols made from silver and gold passed us. Mu'awiya (radiyallahu anh) had send them to be sold in India. Upon this Masruq said: If I knew they were going to kill me I’d throw them into the water, however I fear Fitnah (trial).” (Ibn Jarir at-Tabari, Tahzib’ul Athar, Musnadu Ali, 241 #382)
His Shaykh which Tabari narrated from is Muhammad ibn Bashshar known as ‘Bundar’ and has been characterized to be trusted. (See Dhahabi, Siyaru A’lam’in Nubala, 12/144-149)
Abd’ur Rahman is the famous Abd’ur Rahman ibn Mahdi from the Jarh (narrator-criticism) and Ta'dil (narrator-accreditation) scholars. Ibn Hajar describes him as one who knows the sciences of Sika, Sabt, Hafidh, Hadith, and Rijaal (the science of Men; biographies of Hadith narrators).
Sufyan ibn Uyayna is an individual who is ‘Sika, Hafidh, Imam, and Hujjah’ as Ibn Hajar has described him. (Ibn Hajar, Takrib'ut Tahzib, 245, #2451)
Likewise, Amash and Abu Wail are Hadith Imams trusted by most scholars. Bukhari and Muslim have both narrated many Ahadith (pl., Hadith) from them both. (See Siyaaru A’lam’in Nubala, 6/226-250 and 4/161-166)
Masruq is a great scholar from the Tabiin. (See Siyaaru A’lam’in Nubala, 4/63-69)
In short, although it is not our job to prove the soundness of the narration, trusted narrators recount it. Without any rejection to the Isnaad (chain of narration) or the text of the narration, Tabari uses this narration as evidence to the permissibility of destroying things, that lead to Munkar (evil) such as idols, musical, instruments etc and that the Salaf (predecessors) would destroy them, without any rejection to the text. Similar is in Ibn Abi Shayba’s Musannaf. Ibn Abi Shayba has opened a new chapter regarding the Hukm (ruling) of the sale of idols and has written the following Hadith:
حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرٍ قَالَ: حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو مُعَاوِيَةَ، قَالَ: حَدَّثَنَا الْأَعْمَشُ، عَنْ شَقِيقٍ، عَنْ مَسْرُوقٍ، قَالَ: مَرَّ عَلَيْهِ وَهُوَ بِالسِّلْسِلَةِ بِتَمَاثِيلَ مِنْ صُفْرٍ تُبَاعُ، فَقَالَ مَسْرُوقٌ: لَوْ أَعْلَمُ أَنَّهُ شِقْصٌ لَغَرِمْتُهَا، وَلَكِنِّي أَخَافُ أَنْ يُعَذِّبَنِي فَمَنَعَنِي وَاللَّهِ مَا أَدْرِي أَيَّ الرَّجُلَيْنِ: رَجُلٌ قَدْ زُيِّنَ لَهُ سُوءُ عَمَلِهِ، أَوْ رَجُلٌ قَدْ أَيِسَ مِنْ آخِرَتِهِ يَتَمَتَّعُ مِنَ الدُّنْيَا
“Abu Bakr (Ibn Abi Shayba) informed us and said: Abu Mu’awiya informed us and said: A’mash from Shaqiq (i.e., Abu Wail) and him from Masruq informed us that he said: When he (Masruq) was at Silsilah, bronze statues had passed before him to be sold. Masruq said: If I had known this to be easy, I would have taken the duty; however I fear he will torture me and forbid me from doing so. Wallahi (By Allah)!.. I do not know from which of the two he is: a man whose bad actions are beautified for him or a man who has lost hope in Akhirah (hereafter) and is keeping busy with Dunya (world; wordly life)?”” (Ibn Abi Shayba, Musannaf, #22245; Maktabat’ur Rushd)
The Rijaal of Abu Shayba up until Abu Mu’awiya is the same as Tabari. As Abu Mu’awiya who carries the patronymic, Darir was viewed as being just in general, alongside being spoken of having problems with his memory. (See Siyaru A’lam’in Nubala, 9/73-78)
As seen, the two great imams of the Ahl'us Sunnah, Tabari and Ibn Abi Shayba, informs us that Mu’awiya (radiyallahu anh) from amongst the Ashab (companions) of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) sold statues. Ibn Abi Shayba mentioning this in the 'Bab (chapter)' regarding the sale of idols, right after mentioning the Hadith regarding the sale of idols being Haraam (unlawful), shows that the statues mentioned here are worshiped idols. In fact, Sarahsi had informed these sold items to be idols and stated:
فَيَكُونُ دَلِيلًا لِأَبِي حَنِيفَةَ - رَحِمَهُ اللَّهُ - فِي جَوَازِ بَيْعِ الصَّنَمِ، وَالصَّلِيبِ مِمَّنْ يَعْبُدُهُ كَمَا هُوَ طَرِيقَةُ الْقِيَاسِ
”The event became evidence to Abu Hanifa (rahimehullah) regarding the sale of the idol and the cross, to those who worship them. This is the requirement of Qiyas (analogy).” (Sarahsi, al-Mabsut, 24/47)
As Sarahsi stated in the related text, (foremost students of Abu Hanifa) Imam Muhammad and Abu Yusuf have considered the sale of idols to be Haraam in opposition to their teacher.
Essentially other scholars have made Ijmaa (consensus) regarding the sale of idols being Haraam. Ibn Battal (rahimahullah) mentions this Ijmaa (consensus). (Sharhu Sahih Bukhari, 6/360) In principle this matter is established stable by Nass (textual proof). Rasulullah (sallalahi alayhi wa sallam) stated:
إِنَّ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ حَرَّمَ بَيْعَ الْخَمْرِ، وَالْمَيْتَةِ، وَالْخِنْزِيرِ وَالْأَصْنَامِ
“Allah and his Rasul has forbidden the sale of wine (intoxicants), carcass (dead meat), pork and idols." (Bukhari, #2236; Muslim #1581 from Jabir ibn Abdillah radiyallahu anh)
In the last volume of his Zad’ul Maad, Ibn Qayyim (rahimahullah) explains this Hadith and the matter of selling idols extensively, in the section regarding trade; however, as regards the explanation of this Hadith he stated the following:
وَأَمَّا تَحْرِيمُ بَيْعِ الْأَصْنَامِ، فَيُسْتَفَادُ مِنْهُ تَحْرِيمُ بَيْعِ كُلِّ آلَةٍ مُتَّخَذَةٍ لِلشِّرْكِ عَلَى أَيِّ وَجْهٍ كَانَتْ، وَمِنْ أَيِّ نَوْعٍ كَانَتْ صَنَمًا أَوْ وَثَنًا أَوْ صَلِيبًا، وَكَذَلِكَ الْكُتُبُ الْمُشْتَمِلَةُ عَلَى الشِّرْكِ، وَعِبَادَةِ غَيْرِ اللَّهِ، فَهَذِهِ كُلُّهَا يَجِبُ إِزَالَتُهَا وَإِعْدَامُهَا، وَبَيْعُهَا ذَرِيعَةٌ إِلَى اقْتِنَائِهَا وَاتِّخَاذِهَا، فَهُوَ أَوْلَى بِتَحْرِيمِ الْبَيْعِ مِنْ كُلِّ مَا عَدَاهَا
”When it comes to the sale of idols being Haraam, that which is understood from this Hukm is that all tools of any type which are attained to associate partnership (to Allah) such as an idol, a cross, a statue and the likes, are Haraam. The Hukm is the same regarding books that are about Shirk and Ibadaah (worship) to other than Allah. All of these must be destroyed. The sale of such things will lead to others buying them and become afflicted by Fitnah. For this reason it is more fitting for their sale to be Haraam than any other. (Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah, Zaad'ul Maad)
As clearly understood from the sentences of Ibn'ul Qayyim, he literally mentions those idols worshiped besides Allah and not just regular ornaments or statues. He also uses the assertion of Haraam, not Kufr (disbelief) regarding their sales. Not a single letter of narration can be brought from other scholars stating the sales of idols being Kufr that expels one from Din (religion i.e., Islam). Essentially, in the Hadith regarding the issue, it clearly states the sales of idols to be Haraam, and there is no evidence in it or in any other Nass regarding it being Kufr. It is necessary to go as far as the Nass goes and stop where it stops.
As seen even when Mu’awiya (radiyallahu anh) and Abu Hanifa (rahimahullah) permit it, let alone passing the Hukm of being Kufr, their view is a Shazz (exceptional) unregarded statement. However, none from among the scholars has mentioned them to be Kafir due to permitting the sales of idols.
Above all no right-minded Sunni can have the opinion of Mu’awiya (radiyallahu anh) being a Kafir because he sold idols to the Kuffar (pl., Kafir; disbelievers). That which has attracted our attention while researching this matter is that the Rafidhi Shiite have used this narration to vilify Mu’awiya (radiyallahu anh), moreover some contemporary Shiite authors have tried to prove Mu’awiya (radiyallahu anh) to be a polytheist and an idol worshiper.
Some other contemporaries have endeavored to prove this narration to be Mawdu (fabricated). Whereas this Hadith will not illustrate, that Mu’awiya (radiyallahu anh) is, God forbid, a Munafiq (hypocrite). For Mu’awiya (radiyallahu anh) made an erroneous Ijtihaad (conviction), not because he found Kufr to be good, but he had sold those idols merely to establish income for the Islamic government. From this, it cannot be established that he viewed the worship of idols to be good.
As previously mentioned many times, being a medium for the Kufr of a Kafir is Kufr only when this is due to being pleased with Kufr, otherwise it will not be Kufr.
Aliyy’ul Qari has mentioned this in his Sharh (explanation) of Fiqh’ul Akbar. Therefore, just as the Rafidhi establishing Takfir of Mu’awiya (radiyallahu anh) from the sale of idols is Baatil (false), the contemporary Ahl'ul Ifrat (People of Excess) who makes Takfir of those who are mediator for the Kafir performing Kufr is Baatil. It is understood that besides the presence of the Khawaarij and the Mu'tazilah ruins within today’s scheme-less Takfiri people, the Rafidhi mentality exists in them as well. The reason is because, it is the trait of the vindictive Rafidhi to try to prove those leaders and others they are in opposition with to be Kafir by blind logic. The Ahl'us Sunnah has never attempted to make Takfir of their opposition by means of bogus methods, and has never deviated from justice.
I have not come across positive nor negative comments of scholars regarding these narrations. Nonetheless as pointed out while mentioning the narrators, these narrators are Sika reporters. Relying upon the following statement of Imam Ahmad some have tried to prove them as Mawdu (fabricated):
قال مُهنّا: سألتُ أحمد [يعني ابن حنبل] عن حديث الأعمش، عن أبي وائل، أن معاوية لعب بالأصنام! فقال: ما أغلَطَ أهلَ الكوفة على أصحاب رسول الله [صلى الله عليه وسلم]. ولم يُصَحِّح الحديث، وقال: تَكَلَّمَ به رجلٌ من الشيعة
“Muhanna stated: When Ahmad (Ibn Hanbal) was asked regarding the Hadith Amash related from Abu Wail about Mu’awiya (radiyallahu anh) playing with idols he replied: What boldness the Ahl'ul Kufa (people of the city Kufa) shows against the Ashab (companions) of Rasulullah (sallalahu alayhi wa sallam). With this he did not confirm the Hadith Sahih (sound) and stated: a man from among the Shia must have said this. (al-Muntahab min Ilal’il Hallal, #134)
It is not clear that the Hadith Imam Ahmad speaks of is the same as the one we presented. If noticed, it is mentioned in the Hadith Imam Ahmad narrated that Mu’awiya (radiyallahu anh) plays with the idols. The above-mentioned Hadith is regarding the sale of idols. Also as mentioned previously Amash and Abu Wail are Sika from the Rijaal of Bukhari and Muslim, it is a distant possibility that they are accused with fabricating Hadith.
If we suppose that, the Hadith regarding the sale of idols is not Sahih it will not affect our matter because our opposition claim all mediation done regarding the Kafir performing Kufr will be Kufr and furthermore they claim those who do not make Takfir of these mediators will become Kafir as well. According to this method in this narration, the Salaf are attributed Kufr. According to them Mu’awiya (radiyallahu anh) had become a mediator by selling idols to the idol worshipers. Moreover, although Masruq had seen this happen, and although he did condemn it he did not make Takfir of Mu’awiya (radiyallahu anh).
Muhaddithun (scholars of Hadith) such as Tabari and Abi Shayba had narrated this narration, which relates Kufr to the Sahaba (companions) and Tabiin (next generation after Sahaba), by confirming it with the intention of bringing evidence. Where as, regarding the matter that is referred as “directing the Kafir”; according to the understanding of those ignorant people who harp on the same string they (the narrators) should not have written the narrations into their books. Even if they did, they should have pointed out that it is fabricated by making Tanzih (distant) of the Salaf from such great Kufr(!), let alone make Istidlaal (deduction) with this narration. Since they cannot do this, in the eyes of the method-less Takfiris, because they were silent against this Kufr (!) the two great Imams of Sunnah have entered Kufr. We make Tanzih of the Salaf'us Salihin (Righteous Predecessors) from such Baatil claim and request from our Lord to give Hidayah (guidance) to these Juhala (pl., Jahl; ignorant).
As seen, the Madhhab of this Ahl'ul Dalalah (People of Misguidance) necessitates the Takfir of the Ashab, the Tabiin, and other Imams from the Salaf. However, these fools are not aware of the length their claims go. We are clarifying the matter in depth so that they may notice the gravity of their claim, and repent.
In summary as clearly seen, the sale of idols, which are items of associating partnership to Allah, is Haraam. An individual will not become Kafir with this act unless he is pleased with Kufr and aims to love Kufr. However, in acts, as such when ones actions do not carry any other meaning but Kufr then in this case, Takfir will be upon him.
In his Sharh of Fiqh'ul Akbar, Aliyy’ul Qari quotes the following Fatawa (religious verdicts) from a book named Tatimma:
“If a Muslim makes an idol he will be Kafir. The reason is, with this he will have been pleased with the idol and will have encouraged it.”
As seen here the scholar who has given this Fatawa has taken ‘being pleased with Kufr’ as principle. For this reason the two Fatawa will not contradict one another. For, during the sale of idols seeking worldly pleasure weighs in heavy, while the production of idols weighs in heavy with being pleased of idol worshiping.
Again, the matters we have narrated regarding the sale and production of idols establish that the mediation of the Kuffar performing Kufr is a matter, which requires detail. If the action of the individual who is supporting the Kafir to perform Kufr carries a meaning other than love of Kufr, Takfir will not be upon him until the matter is clarified hence Hukm cannot be passed on anyone according to probability. While the Salaf gets into detail regarding the sale of idols to the idol worshipers, the Takfir of some ignorant individuals of today, regarding mediation of the Kuffar and their courts, without getting into the details is baseless and this act goes as far as making Takfir of the Salaf.
We seek refuge in Allah from such ignorance. The reason we brought such narrations to daylight is to prove how rotten the method-less Takfiri mentality is and not to encourage people to act upon Baatil such as the sale of idols. For, as clearly seen this act is Haraam. Just because an act is not Kufr it does not mean it is permissible, unlike those ignorant people who have no share in Din claim to be. We take this opportunity to remind this. Wallahu A'lam (And Allah knows best)!... Walhamdulillahi Rabbil A’lam’in (All praise is for Allah, the Lord of the worlds)!..